The Ikenne Local Government Area in Ogun State has said selection of candidate for the Akufon Stool of Idarika community followed due process.
The council added that this was done without any interference or imposition of candidate by its authority.
The Chairman, Segun Ogunleye, while reacting to allegations by the Igundaniyan Ruling House that the local government authority imposed Shomade Olugbenga on the family to be their next monarch.
The Igundaniyan and Centre for Human and Socio – Economic Rights(CHSR) had earlier accused the Council of interference, warning that the disaffection caused by the alleged imposition could plunge Idarika into crisis.
The ruling house and CHSR also called on Governor Dapo Abiodun, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, the Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice and security agencies, to intervene quickly lest the situation degenerates to anarchy.
But Ogunleye refuted the allegation, saying “All they are saying are lies, I was never involved in the selection process, it is what their family did and they are the one who selected Gbenga Shomade, he is not an impostor.
A land/ kingship tussle has torn apart ex-Rep Ned Nwoko and his kinsmen. The battle is now before the court, writes Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba
Idumuje-Ugboko community, Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State has murdered sleep. No thanks to a land/kingship tussle between an ex-federal lawmaker Prince Ned Nwoko and Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko.
Several families have been displaced from their homes following attacks. So much bad blood has been generated by the impasse that the women groups have joined the fray with a tit-for-tat invoking of ancestral curses on those loyal to the contending parties.
Walter Eziashi – Ex-President General Idumuje-Ugboko Community, in a statement in Asaba, the Delta State capital, debunked insinuations that Ned Nwoko was interested in becoming the king or is sponsoring any candidate for the kingship position, stressing that the Idumuje-Ugboko royal throne is by qualification and not by sponsorship.
According to him, the issue at stake is the kingship tussle between Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko and Prince Uche Nwoko, adding that tradition prescribes that the first surviving male child ascends the throne.
He said: “By our tradition, it is always the surviving first son that becomes the Obi whose mother must be an indigene. The two contenders are Prince Nonso whose mother is from Ubulu-Uku and Prince Uche whose mother is from Idumuje-Ugboko. If we go down history the first Obi was Obi Nwoko 1, his first son was Prince Omouju, he never ascended the throne because his mother was not an Ugboko woman, but he married an Ugboko woman knowing what he suffered, he married from a village called Ugboufu from the Okoh family and Omousi was their offspring. Omousi was crowned an Obi. Omousi’s first son was Obi Nkeze whose mother was from Atuma in Idumuje-Ugboko. When Obi Nkeze died in 1955, the issue of succession came up, because the actual first son of Obi Nkeze died, it fell on Prince Albert Nwoko and there was a tussle and between 1955 and 1981 Ugboko was governed by a regent, because the mother of the surviving first son was not a native of Ugboko, but from Ugbodu. The man who would have become king, Prof Demas Nwoko declined the position. So the mother of the man interested in the kingship was from Idumuje-Unor and was ineligible, but to resolve the logjam, our elders agreed that Obi Albert rule with a proviso that he must marry an Ugboko woman that would succeed him. And this led to Obi Albert after coronation in 1981 marrying his first wife who was childless, but his second wife gave him a male child called Prince Uche Nwoko who attends Command Secondary school, Ebonyi State.”
He went on: “ There are other contending issues, in our culture if you have a criminal matter hanging on you , if you have challenges of dishonesty especially dishonesty that carries a sentence of not less than two years ,so whatever title you hold you are stripped of it. Let us even agree that there will be a waiver on the kingship tussle, but there has been a case of forgery that has been on since 2015 against Prince Nonso. He was invited by the Delta State Police Command, the DPP says he has a case to answer and was charged to court and the case is ongoing, the prosecution has almost completed its case just for Nonso to open his defence. There is case of stealing, a case of breaking and entry running to two years now and a case of compounding felony to do with the rape of a 15 year old girl in the palace. We are saying that no sane community will allow a man with criminal charges to become their king”.
The Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chris Ogwu, blamed the crisis on Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko, alleging that several meetings called by elders of the community to resolve issues were turned down by the Crown Prince.
But Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko dismissed the idea that there was a kingship tussle over the throne, stressing that the whole crisis revolves around the issue of land.
His words: “The issue revolves around land. Every other thing you hear about the crisis is because of land. In fact I will summarise it by saying if we were to take all the land he wants and give to him (Ned), the crisis will vanish. More than ten year ago, he (Ned) was given over 30 hectares of land to build a ranch and a dairy factory and in this community there are so many young men, so our fathers in their wisdom gave him land. But he did not have any such intention to build any ranch or dairy farm, instead he converted that expanse of land to his private estate without coming back to the community to ask for a change of use. He was pampered because as a member of the royal family he got advantages that could not be extended to other persons, but let them down badly. The other members of the community are still complaining about his misuse of community land. I know that at a meeting of the Izuani, my uncles were struggling so hard to defend that decision”.
The Crown Prince did not spare the Delta State Police Command headed by Mr. Zanna Ibrahim for having compromised, saying: “The Delta Police Command has been seriously compromised on this matter, it is for this reason we moved the case to the A.I.G’s office in Benin-City. After the burial rites of the late Obi had been perform we were trying to hold an Izuani meeting (community meeting), the next thing was that we were attacked by thugs imported from outside the community and disrupted the meeting with the police standing by and doing nothing, after I implored the police to protect us they refused saying that the atmosphere was charged and that it will not be proper to continue the meeting because it will lead to a break- down of law and order. The Delta Police demanded we give them a 24 hour notice if we want to hold another meeting. To this request, we acceded, but on the day the meeting was to hold despite the presence of the police, local government chairman and others the thugs would not let the meeting hold despite the presence of the police.”
Prince Ned Nwoko, who represented Aniocha/Oshimili, denied his involvement in the crisis, saying that he did not sponsor anybody to cause crisis in the community.
He said: “The town’s meeting was a diversionary effort from the serious allegations over the death of the Obi. The crisis arose because there is a tussle for the kingship after the death of Obi Albert Nwoko three months ago.
“The wives of the late Obi petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the King. The state command’s effort to investigate the matter has been frustrated by Nonso and co who refused all invitations for questioning.
“Instead he resorted to calling a town’s meeting without the Chiefs (who already have a High Court injunction against him and others). The beating of the Chiefs at the meeting was the beginning of the crisis.
“I wasn’t there but the Commissioner of Police in the State and the Assistant Inspector General, Benin will give you details if the kidnappings of the Chiefs and others opposed to Nonso and the subsequent vandalisation of their cars and properties.
“One Okada man (motorcycle operator) named Cyprian was killed in the palace. His boys have been arrested and charged with various offenses.
“The only zoo in Delta is there, we have the fish pond, the poultry, providing jobs for the people. I initially earmarked N2 billion but I ended up spending over N10 billion. I have fully utilized the land given to me for the purpose it was meant for.
“We are fighting a civilised fight in the court over the land issue, and we are civilized enough to wait for the decision if the courts,” he said.
The Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State is grappling with many headaches. Infrastructure in the area is horrible. Worse, their traditional royal stool is also hotly contested by two claimants. This has left the people divided.
Amanuke, located about 10 km north of Awka, the state capital, is in agony. The community lacks potable water, electricity, goods roads, while its primary, secondary schools and hospitals have all but collapsed.
The residents are lamenting their misery, and have called on the state government to come to their rescue.
They also complained that peace has taken flight from the area because of lack of a traditional ruler. Since the death of their traditional ruler, the late Igwe William Ezenwa many years ago, two relations have laid claim to the traditional stool.
When The Nation visited the community following the lamentations of the residents, it was discovered that pupils were learning under the trees.
The primary health centre, which used to compliment general hospital for the rural area has collapsed. From down to the top of the hospital, there was no single equipment, while domestic animals, and human excreta as well as skeletons of dead animals littered the floor.
The Nation gathered that the hospital was built between 1978 and 1983 through self-help by the people of the community and handed over to the state government during the regime of former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo.
The same story is equally told of the community’s primary health centre with about two bungalows already collapsed, while the remaining buildings are a shambles.
There was no single person or worker to speak on the condition, while the premises were like a ghost land.
At the community’s secondary school, the situation was the same with nine out of the 12 buildings already dilapidated, while the two others housing the corps members were not suitable for human habitation.
Speaking with The Nation, Mrs. Grace Okafor, a resident, described the situation as living in hell.
She said it had been over 20 years since the hospital was abandoned, adding that the residents seek for alternative at the Awka capital city.
“Our roads, hospital, primary health centre, secondary school, market and others are all dilapidated,” she said. “Amanuke community is one of the major food baskets of Anambra State, but we have never received any form of support from the government, we only hear that government supports agriculture.”
Mrs. Uju Onwunili told The Nation that some of them go to a community about eight communities from Amanuke for ante-natal care.
One of the community leaders, Hon. Ebenezer Okafor told The Nation that Amanuke had become an abandoned community in the state.
Mr. Angus Dike decried the level of decay in the community, which he blamed on the tussle over traditional stool.
He said the N20 million “choose your project” initiative by the Governor Willie Obiano administration, has been hijacked by certain people.
Following the impasse in the kingship tussle in Onicha-Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area, an octogenarian member of the royal family, Prince Erasmus Nduka Nwabuokei, has attributed the unending crisis surrounding the over 500-year-old traditional stool to a 116-year-old curse placed by his forebear, Prince Chika Dieyi.
Prince Erasmus Nduka Nwabuokei, head of Idumugbe Quarter, the royal home of Onicha Olona community, in an interview with The Nation, urged the Delta State government to return the monarchy to the rightful family to serve as propitiation for the curse.
Nwaboukei said Ugbehe, a prince from Benin Empire, founded Onicha-Olona in the 15th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, adding that Ugbehe instituted the dynastic hereditary system of kingship where the oldest, wisest and most capable son or his descendant ascends the throne as opposed to the principle of primogeniture (succession by first son).
He listed the chronology of kings of Onicha-Olona to include Oba Ugbehe, Ofoko, Zolumuna, Mogbei, and Dieyi as the direct descendants of Oba Ugbehe.
Others include Ozo nwa Omone, who became the sixth king and Okpoko nwa Ozo, who was the seventh king.
He said all the kings ruled in accordance to Ugbehe’s decree that the older capable son in his bloodline should ascend the throne.
He said the kingship moved outside Idumugbe to Idumu Ogbele when Prince Dieyi died and all the sons in the royal family were minors and the law precludes minors from ascending the throne.
According to him, Osakwe Ofili (the Okwelegweanyi), in connivance with the British government usurped the throne following the death of Oba Okpoko in 1897.
The Onicha-Olona monarchy, according to Nwabuokei, has had 16 kings, noting that of the 16, only the first eight kings were legitimate and crowned in accordance with Oba Ugbehe’s decree.
His words: “During the reign of Okpoko the elders of community started preparation for the original lineage to take over the kingship. After the death of Okpoko the deceased monarch was kept in traditional embalmment for three years as is the custom. It was at this time that Osakwe who worked with the Royal Niger Ccompany sought to become king. After the burial ceremonies of Okpoko in 1900 crisis erupted when Osakwe wanted take the kingship, but the help of the British he defeated the rightful heir Prince Chika Dieyi. The British compelled Prince Dieyi to pay homage to Obi Osakwe Ofili. Osakwe Ofili became the first Obi- Igwe as opposed to the original title of Oba which kings of Onicha-Olona were called. Osakwe Ofili after the homage paying ceremonies was afflicted with a strange ailment that struck him dumb. He died from the ailment. Prince Chika placed a curse of unending crisis on the throne unless the rightful lineage assumes the throne. He further said placed a curse of insanity on anyone outside the royal family who becomes king. All of the kings who have ruled since then have died disgraceful deaths including imprisonment, insanity and violent deaths’.
As if to give credence to the potency of the century old curse, the monarchy has been dogged by intractable crisis since the spell was pronounced in 1900.
Currently, three claimants to the throne have emerged, with each promoting different systems of ascension to the throne.
While Dumbili Nwadiajueboe claims the Obi-ship through the hereditary system of ascension, his contender, Christopher Uzu Diji claims the Obi-ship system using the Okpalabisi system.
The royal family has faulted these systems of ascension insisting that the dynastic hereditary system be adopted.
Uzu Diji argues that the kingdom never practiced hereditary system of monarchy, but the Okpalabisi system based on the principle of gerontocracy i.e. the most senior traditional title holder succeeding the incumbent king.
Prince Erasmus Nwabuokei discredited Dumbili Nwadiajueboe claims to the monarchy, adding that Dumbili’s parents are non-indigenes, but naturalised into the family lineage of a daughter of Idumu-Ogbele and as such is precluded from the throne.
Following the crisis the community has remained without an officially recognised king until May 2016, when the Delta State government in a letter addressed to His Royal Majesty, Dumbili Nwadiajueboe appointed him as the Obi of Onicha-Olona Kingdom.
Emboldened by the development, Nwadiajueboe started making arrangements for the presentation of Staff of Office.
According to him, on the directive of the government, he bought the Staff of Office for N50, 000.
But Nwadiajueboe , 48 hours later, got another letter from the government that the presentation of the staff of office had been put on hold, purportedly based on the security situation of the community.
Nwadiajueboe said: “After taking a date, I went to buy the Staff of Office with over N50, 000.00. I printed invitation cards and bought drinks for entertainment. I wasted more than N200, 000.00. Now what do they want me to do with the staff of office, they have to come and present it.
“What they stated in the letter is pregnant and full of deceit; it was only a figment of their imagination. Onicha-Olona is a very quiet place, there is no crisis. My message is that I am the Obi by right; I have gone through the processes. They are only trying to disturb me and the peace of the town.”
Investigation revealed that government would have gone ahead to present the staff of office to Nwadiajueboe but for the intervention of an influential politician in the community and the traditional council in Aniocha North council area.
It was gathered that the influential politician acted on the resolution of Aniocha North traditional council to the effect that the wish of Onicha-Olona people be respected by upholding the Okpalabisi system and stop the presentation of staff of office.
Although, the letter had suspended all actions “pending the resolutions of all contending issues” Nwadiajueboe is however at loss, following the enthronement of Uzu Diji as the Obi by the kingmakers in an atmosphere devoid of crisis, contrary to claims by government officials.
“They said there would be problem if government recognises me, and government is waiting for the resolution of the contending issues but they went on to enthrone Uzu Diji. The Iyase went to enthrone him, is that a way of making peace? If my people were not calm and law abiding there would be riot in this town. But we remain calm because we want to obey government.”
The Iyase of Onicha-Olona,Chief Eziashi warned that should the government go ahead to recognise Nwadiajueboe as the Obi, the action would have catastrophic consequence on the community, insisting that the hereditary system of monarchy was alien to the kingdom.
A section of the community is of the view that the system of gerontocracy was not effective as the product of the system was often senile due to old age.
The impasse led to the setting up of an Administrative Commission of Inquiry by the state government which recommended hereditary as system of ascension to the throne.
The people challenged the recommendation, alleging that the Administrative Commission of Inquiry was manipulated and influenced, adding that the hereditary system was monopolistic as it will ultimately impose a family or a group of persons within a family perpetually on the Kingdom as king.
Chief Paul Eziashi said: “Despite several memoranda that were submitted to the said commission which shows that Okpalabisi system is the only recognised system of ascension to the throne of Obi in Onicha-Olona, the commission having been influenced, recommended a hereditary system of ascension to the throne of Obi of Onicha-Olona, a system alien to the tradition and custom of Onicha-Olona people.
Continuing, “The government White Paper and Chieftaincy Declaration was totally condemned, and protested against by indigenes of Onicha-Olona who have since stuck to their position that an alien system of Obiship ascension which ultimately will impose a family or group of persons within a family perpetually on them as their Obi from time to time cannot stand, hence the existing quagmire in the Obiship stool in Onicha-Olona.
Eziashi said: “We are going ahead to crown the most senior title holder which is Chief Christopher Uzu.”
Eziashi urged the government not to recognise Nwadiajueboe as the Obi.
But Nwadiajueboe countered the Iyase, arguing that Okpalabisi was not the only system that was bequeathed to Onicha-Olona by its founding fathers.
Is the century old curse the factor undermining every effort at finding a lasting solution to the kingship tussle? Only time will tell.
Justice A. A. Babawale of an Ogun State High Court sitting in Saamu, has fixed January 20 for the pretrial conference (PTC) in a suit filed by Prince Adetayo Odunsi challenging the nomination of Albert Mayungbe to the stool of Odemo of Isara-Remo.
The co-defendants in the suit numbered HCS/158/2013 are the head of the ruling house, Prince Obafemi Awoyade; Secretary, Remo North Local Government; Oliwo of Isara, Chief Ajibowu Ogunfowodu; Apena of Isara, Chief Jimoh Soyombo; Chief Ladipo Ogunyemi; Ogbeni Odi of Isara, Chief Olajubu Osibote; Ekeji Asipa Odi, Chief Tunde Kalejaiye; Asipa Odi of Isara, Chief Owuye Logba.
Others are Ekeji Asipa Odi of Isara, Chief Efuwape Sotikare; Olori Emo of Isara, Chief Bashiru Awoniyi; Ekeji Olori Emo of Isara, Chief Korede Ogunwole; Asipa Emo of Isara, Chief Nosiru Sodipe; Ekeji Asipa Emo, Chief Adewole Sopitan; Governor of Ogun State; Executive Council of Ogun State; the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as second to 18th defendants respectively.
The claimant’s counsel, Muyiwa Obanewa told the court that he had filed issues for determination.
Obanewa also confirmed that the state government had responded, while the third and fifth defendants, who have no counsel, have not despite being served.
Babawale confirmed the documents and ordered that the other defendants not represented in court are adequately briefed on the date fixed for the conference.
In his 32 points statement of claim, Prince Odunsi , a direct descendant of the late Oba Oyemade Mayungbe and progenitor of Erinsiba-Ayoledoye Ruling House, averred that he is the one lawfully entitled to the stool of Odemo of Isara-Remo.
Giving a historical order of the obas so far produced by the ruling house, he averred that their progenitor, Rosanlu, who was also known as Erinsiba, “begat Oyetade who in turn begat Oyemade, also known as Mayungbe alias Ayoledoye” adding that Mayungbe had four wives of which Arobo was the third.
The claimant said as at the time Mayungbe (alias Ayoledoye), married Arobo, who hailed from Akure, she came with a male child named Ogunsakin from her earlier marriage and that when he later became king,he accommoda-ted Ogunsakin in the palace in his lifetime.
The claimant averred that when Oba Oyetade Mayungbe ascended the throne, and ”in order to differentiate Ogunsakin, his stepson and an outsider, from other children in the palace, he made Ogunsakin an “Odi” meaning a servant to the king.
He averred that under Yoruba custom and tradition applicable in Isara-Remo, an “Odi” is not a member of a ruling house and can never qualify for nomination into the stool of Odemo of Isara-Remo” and that Ogunsakin also served as “Odi” to Oba Poke, the successor to Oba Oyetade Mayungbe. In their statement of defence and counter claim, the first, second, sixth to 10th and 14thdefendants admitted some of the averments of the claimant and deny others.
The first defendant, Albert Mayungbe, insisted on being a “bonafide member and descendant of the Erinsiba/Ayoledoye Ruling House and that the late Oba Mayungbe, aside from being a trader, met and married Arobo in Akure where Ogunsakin, his grandfather, was born.
They prayed the court for an order of mandamus compelling the 15th and 16thdefendants to give approval to the appointment of the first defendant as the new Odemo-elect of Isara-Remo.
But the claimant, in his reply to the statement of defence and counter claim of the first, second, sixth to 10th and 14thdefendants had contended that the first defendant is not a bonafide member and descendant of the Erinsiba/Ayoledoye Ruling house
He, therefore, prayed the court to dismiss the counter claim of the defendants with punitive costs.
The people of Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri Kingdom had looked forward to being ruled again by a crowned king, following the death of the immediate past king, Pere Amakosu, Oduwor III.
Their prayers and yearnings were realised in May this year, a year after their former king was buried.
•Chief Johnny Aribogha
An election was conducted by the kingdom among three contenders, namely Couple Oromoni, Johnny Aribougha and David Pere, all from the Perebiri Ruling House. At the end of the election, Couple Oromoni emerged as Pere Amakosu-elect. He scored eight out of the 12 votes cast and leaving two apiece to the two other contenders.
The process that produced the new Pere-Amakosu was driven by a committee of 12 representatives from across the kingdom. The result of the selection was openly announced by the Ogbe-Ijoh Council of Chiefs, led by the then Regent, Chief Samson Mamamu.
It was gathered that the selection followed a rigorous process, which ensured that the guidelines for the selection was followed to avoid controversies. Before getting down to its responsibility, all members of the selection committee took an oath in the Warri High Court to be of good behaviour and to accept the outcome.
They also signed a legal oath and agreed that all of them would abide by the outcome of the election without recourse to court or publish comment discrediting or challenging the outcome.
Chairman of the Selection/Succession Committee, which decided the fate of the contestants, Elder Anthony Jolomi, said their procedure considered the personalities of the three men, taking particular notice of their contributions to the development of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and their everyday life style.
Things seemed to be going without let or flaw until reports of petitions and questions on the status of the new king-elect started read. A couple of persons started a move to stop the crowning ceremony of the new king, a departure from agreements signed before the commencement of the selection process.
The courts and the media were resorted to by those who wanted to stop Oromoni from being crowned. The high point of the plots was the mention of the state’s deputy governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, in the drama.
He was accused of using his position to enforce his will against that of the people. Probably other interests in the happenings in the Ogbe-Ijoh traditional politics might have just continued folding their arms and watch where the unfolding drama would end. But the supposed wrongful inclusion of the name of the deputy governor, which, to most people, was sheer mudslinging, brought a new twist to the kingship issue.
Many stakeholders vehemently rebuked those who had been signing the petitions and statements against the crowning of the king. They were angry that the name of the deputy governor was not only included, but also told lies against his person and office.
In a position paper against the development, the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Clan Governing Council categorically exposed whom it said was behind the attacks, stating the reason for his bitterness.
The paper, signed by its Chairman, Hon. Lucky Oromoni and Secretary, Mr Elvis Wurusibewei, said: “Chief Alfred Yola, (who is not an Ogbe-Ijoh Chief, but claims to be an Obotebe Chieftaincy title holder in Burutu Local Government Area and Isele Banni, were neither authorised nor mandated to speak for any family, quarter, community in Ogbe-Ijoh or in the entire Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom.
“There are appropriate persons and organs with authority to speak for Ogbe-Ijoh people at every given time. His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Delta state, is innocent of the accusations in the petition published in the said publications.
“The signatories to the petitions; Chief Alfred Yola and Sele Banni, are only being used as surrogates by desperate and bad losers. The allegations and protests are the handiwork of Mr Johnny Aribogha, who contested and failed by scoring only two (2) votes.
“The selection process, which Mr Johnny Aribogha voluntarily participated in and scored only two votes, started long even before the emergence of Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro as deputy governor,” the council said.
In a chat with Niger Delta Report, a prominent son of Ogbe-Ijoh, who did not want his name mentioned because of security reasons, lamented the twist introduced to the kingship issue.
While exonerating the deputy governor of all the infringements levelled against him, the source revealed that the choice of Pere Oromoni was an overwhelming decision of the entire kingdom, including Perebiri, which the king’s traducers were using as front.
“This unnecessary crisis over the crowning of the Pere is the typical example of wars of attrition you see everywhere in Nigeria. But where its drivers goofed, and badly too, is the way they threw the name of the deputy governor into it. Believe me, I’m yet to understand their motive.
“To start with, Deacon Otuaro is not involved in the crowning of the king. All those stories about him sending police to enforce the crowning are false and that’s where I lost hold on their game plan. Why involve the person who played no role in an event and doing so using unsubstantiated claims? Was this just to destroy his name or to use it as a lever or floating buoy?
“Don’t let the names of those signing all these petitions deceive you. They have no stake; they are just being used as puns by a man who believes he spent enough to buy the conscience of all of Ogbe-Ijoh, but who realised late in the game that even with all he thought he had spent, the people would always vote according to their consciences and their impression of him. The pattern of votes cast revealed how unpopular he is with the people of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. This is a man who had tried to wrongly claim the throne, even when it was not open yet for contest. He forgot all his infamous acts of the past.
“So, my advice to those who lost is to stick to the agreement they signed before the result of the election to the throne was announced. The three contenders agreed to abide by the outcome of the election, seeing how stringent and transparent the process was.
“We were all there, he also saw there was no room for manipulation and he signed to abide by the outcome and not to put the kingdom and its people through all these sort of turbulence we are witnessing now. Out of 12 lots, eight went to the current king, two apiece to the sponsor of this confusion and the third contender. When he stormed out of the community hall that day immediately Pere Oromoni was announced as the winner, I knew he was up to no good.
“I believe he will burn his fingers by involving the name of the deputy governor in his plots because the man knew nothing about all those things he put out in the media,” the source said.
There is an intense altercation between the contenders on one hand and the community on the other hand over the selection process. Whoever emerges winner would be accepted by all and the community would be spared the stress and complications of litigation. But here is the community and its new king being dragged through a bitter legal tussle. What is left to be seen is if there would be any penalty for breaching a duly signed agreement by a party in this matter.
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Sagamu has fixed November 10 for hearing of a suit by Prince Adetayo Odunsi challenging the nomination of Albert Mayungbe to the stool of Odemo of Isara, Remo.
The co-defendants in the suit number HCS/158/2013 are the head of the ruling house, Prince Obafemi Awoyade; Secretary, Remo North Local Government; Oliwo of Isara, Chief Ajibowu Ogunfowodu; Apena of Isara, Chief Jimoh Soyombo; Chief Ladipo Ogunyemi; Ogbeni Odi of Isara, Chief Olaj.
Others are Ekeji Asipa Odi of Isara, Chief Efuwape Sotikare; Olori Emo of Isara, Chief Bashiru Awoniyi; Ekeji Olori Emo of Isara, Chief Korede Ogunwole; Asipa Emo of Isara, Chief Nosiru Sodipe; Ekeji Asipa Emo, Chief Adewole Sopitan; Governor of Ogun State; Executive Council of Ogun State; the state’s Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as second to 18th defendants respectively.
Hearing in the matter, which was initially fixed for last Thursday, failed to commence as the trial judge, Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora, has been transferred to Ota from Sagamu.
Although parties in the matter and their counsels were present in court and prepared for arguments and submissions, the new judge, Justice A. A. Babawale said she would need to acquaint herself first with all case files that have gone through pre-hearing stages, consequent upon which the new adjourned date was mutually agreed on for commencement of hearing.
In his 32-point’ statement of claim, Prince Odunsi, who is a direct descendant of the late Oba Oyemade Mayungbe and progenitor of Erinsiba-Ayoledoye Ruling House, had averred that he is the one lawfully entitled to the stool of Odemo of Isara-Remo.
Giving a chronological order of the Obas produced by the ruling house, he averred that their progenitor was Rosanlu, also known as Erinsiba and that “Rosanlu begat Oyetade, who in turn begat Oyemade, also known as Mayungbe alias Ayoledoye” adding that, Mayungbe had four wives of which Arobo was the third.
The claimant averred that as at the time Mayungbe, alias Ayoledoye, married Arobo, who hailed from Akure, she came with a male child by name Ogunsakin from her earlier marriage and that when he later became king, he accommodated Ogunsakin in the palace in his lifetime. The claimant averred that when Oba Oyetade Mayungbe ascended the throne, and “in order to differentiate Ogunsakin, his stepson and an outsider, from other children in the palace, he made Ogunsakin an “Odi” meaning a servant to the king.
He averred that under Yoruba custom and tradition applicable in Isara-Remo, an “Odi” is not a member of a ruling house and can never qualify for nomination into the stool of Odemo of Isara-Remo” and that Ogunsakin also served as “Odi” to Oba Poke, the successor to Oba Oyetade Mayungbe.
To buttress his claim, he averred further that “Ogunsakin begat Oyekunle, who in turn begat the first defendant and that upon the death of Ogunsakin, Oyekunle, his son, the father of the first defendant, also served as “Odi” to two successive Obas in Isara-Remo, the late Oba Samuel Akinsanya and late Oba Adeboboye Osideinde”.
He further averred that the selection of the first defendant as Odemo-elect “is wrongful and should be declared null and void on the ground that he is not a member of Erinsiba-Ayoledoye Ruling House, but a lineage of past Odis in Isara-Remo and thus not qualified for nomination as a candidate for the Odemo of Isara chieftaincy.
Odunsi sought seven prayers and orders against the defendants: “A declaration that the first defendant is not a member of the Erinsiba-Adyoledoye Ruling House and therefore not qualified to contest for the stool; that under native law and custom applicable in Isara and Remoland generally, an Odi (servant of the king) or any of his descendants is not qualified to contest for the stool of Odemo of Isara; that the first defendant’s late grandfather and father, late Ogunsakin and Oyekunle Mayungbe were Odi to the late Oba Samuel Akinsanya and late Oba Adeboboye Osideinde and therefore, not qualified to aspire or to be considered for nomination to the stool”.
He, therefore, sought an order of the court setting aside the nomination exercise of Erinsiba/Ayoledoye ruling house held on February 21, 2011 at which meeting the first defendant emerged as one of the candidates for the Odemo of Isara chieftaincy; an order setting aside the decision of the kingmakers selecting or electing the first defendant as the candidate for the Odemo of Isara chieftaincy.
The claimant is also seeking an order setting aside any recommendation, if any, made by the 19th defendant and generally by the 15th, 17th and 18th defendants in relation to the first defendant as the Odemo-elect of Isara-Remo and an order directing the third defendant to issue a fresh notice to the second defendant, as head of Erinsiba/Ayoledoye, to summon a fresh meeting of the ruling house for the purpose of nominating candidates to fill the vacant stool of Odemo of Isara, to the exclusion of the first defendant.
In their statement of defence and counter claim, the first, second, sixth to tenth and 14th defendants admitted some of the averments of the claimant and denied others.
The first defendant, Albert Mayungbe, insisted on being a “bonafide member and descendant of the Erinsiba/Ayoledoye Ruling House and that the late Oba Mayungbe, aside from being a trader, met and married Arobo in Akure where Ogunsakin, his grandfather, was born.
He further claimed that “Odis” in Isara are not servants to the Obas, but appointed from among the royal houses and trusted relations and that his grandfather, Ogunsakin, rendered assistance to Oba Samuel Akinsanya and that in appreciation, he appointed his son, Oyekunle Mayungbe as his “Odi” contrary to the claims of the claimant.
The defendants averred that the meeting of the kingmakers held March 3, 2011 for the selection/appointment of a candidate to fill the vacant stool was held at Odemo’s palace with nine kingmakers in attendance, including the D.P.O. and O/C S.S.S.
The defendants claimed that the cultural law alluded to by the claimant was never part of the Isara law as claimed by the claimant and that the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Micheal Sonariwo, has no role to play in the selection process and that he is not a consenting authority for Odemo of Isara-Remo.
They contended that there is no custom in Isara-Remo barring an Odi’s son from being crowned an Oba and sought five prayers from the court.
They prayed the court to hold that the first defendant is a bonafide member of the Erinsiba/Ayoledoye Ruling House and for a declaration that since he is not an Odi himself, he is entitled to contest for the vacant stool of Odemo of Isara-Remo; that the nomination exercise conducted February 21, 2011 at which he was purportedly named candidate was proper and valid; that his selection and nomination by the kingmakers at their meeting of March 3, 2011 as oba-elect was proper and valid.
They also prayed the court for an order of mandamus compelling the 15th and 16th defendants to give approval to the appointment of the first defendant as the new Odemo-elect of Isara-Remo.
But the claimant, in his reply to the statement of defence and counter claim of the first, second, sixth to tenth and 14th defendants contended that the first defendant is not a bonafide member and descendant of the Erinsiba/Ayoledoye Ruling House.
The claimant further contended that even though Ogunsakin was a child of Arobo, he was not fathered by the late Oba Mayungbe and that the late monarch was never a trader who lived in Akure, but was an Ifa Priest and a pig rearer based in Isara, emphasising that there was never a time he travelled to or live in Akure.
The claimant averred that as at the time Mayungbe married Arobo, he was already a king in Isara and married to two wives and that it was while he was on the throne that Arobo came to Isara with a child known as Ogunsakin and was accomodated in the palace because she had no place to sleep, adding that Oba Mayungbe later took interest in her and married her.
He also maintained that Chief Akinola Akinsanya was never an Odi to Oba Samuel Adetayo Akinsanya, but was the first to be honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Otunba by the monarch and that Architect Pasiko Onadeko was also never an Odi to his brother, Oba A.I. Onadeko.
The claimant contended that the fact that the first defendant was named a surety during his search for a job does not translate that he is a prince or that they are both from same ruling house or give the first defendant the right to participate in the selection process for the vacant stool. He therefore prayed the court to dismiss the counter claim of the defendants with punitive costs.
Meanwhile, the Akarigbo, who is one of the four witnesses listed by the claimant, has already filed an affidavit before the Sagamu High Court, Ogun State.
Oba Sonariwo, who is also the paramount ruler of Remoland, had in his averments, raised objections to the nomination of Mayungbe by the kingmakers, in a letter dated April 12, 2011 addressed to the Caretaker Committee, Remo North Local Government, alleging that Mayungbe is not of royal blood, in response to the enquiry of the Remo North Local Government which sought his consent on the nomination of Albert Mayungbe.
The monarch believed he should not have been nominated and subsequently declined to give his consent to the choice of Mayungbe purportedly by the Erinsiba/Ayoledoye Ruling House.
He referred to the objection raised by one Prince Olufemi Omoyele, who is alleging the first defendant to be an Odi, and submitted that it was “well founded”.
The stool of Odemo of Isara, Remo, has remained vacant for eight years since the demise of the former ruler of the ancient town, Oba (Engr.) Idowu Onadeko.
Amidst the controversy generated by the crowning of Chief Couple Oromoni as the new Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, has charged aggrieved persons to seek legal redress.
Although it was gathered the process leading to the crowning of the new Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Pere Amakosu Mobene III, was concluding before the new administration, Otuaro is accused of influencing the process.
The apparently unimpressed deputy governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Communication and Press, Mr Bulou Kosin, cautioned against unfounded allegations, mudslinging and other acts capable of creating bad sentiments.
The deputy governor denied the allegation and frowned at the antics of his accuser, which a section of the parties believed is aimed at arm-twisting him.
He said: “The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro wishes to state that he is in no way party to the alleged selection/appointment of Chief Couple Oromoni, or anybody for that matter, as Pere (King) of Ogbe-Ijoh-Warri Kingdom, against a subsisting court order as claimed in recent media reports.
“As leaders believed to be respectable, Chief Alfred Yola and Sele Banni and their sponsors, ought to have done the responsible thing by initiating contempt proceedings in court against whoever may have defied such court order, instead of resorting to hurling unsubstantiated allegations, sentiments and blackmail at the Deputy Governor.”
The leaders of Perebiri Quarters in Ogbe-Ijoh said the Deputy Governor “sent over 200 of his (Otuaro’s) policemen and aides to Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom…against the court directive”.
But the deputy governor said: “One wonders where the leaders of Perebiri quarters in Ogbe-Ijoh got their ridiculously staggering number of over 200 security details and aides to the Deputy Governor which he allegedly sent to the said Ogbe-Ijoh event.
“To begin with, the Deputy Governor does not have such weird number of security details and aides and the entire story is indeed the figment of imagination of mischief makers bent on tarnishing the good reputation of the Deputy Governor. Informed leaders everywhere know that people who have one occasion or the other to celebrate do not need a Deputy Governor before seeking and getting police protection.
“Despite insults hurled at him, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, wishes to appeal to the generally good people of Ogbe-Ijoh-Warri Kingdom to embrace peace necessary for the enjoyment of democratic dividends under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s SMART agenda of prosperity for all Deltans.”
Unless the Oyo State Government intervenes in the lingering chieftaincy tussle rocking the Ago-Are community in the Atisbo Local Government Area with a view to finding lasting solution, the agrarian and peaceful community in Oke-Ogun area may soon be consumed by violence.
Tension has already enveloped the town, as youths and other interest groups, including the royal families are threatening fire and brimstones should the king- makers go ahead in their strange selection of a successor to the vacant throne, which they described as “unacceptable and a negation of age long tradition in the selection process’’.
The former community head, Aare of Ago-Are, the late Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke, joined his ancestors in May this year after about 39 years of peaceful reign.
Southwest Report reliably gathered that barely two months after the death of the late ruler, a family meeting of Edu Ruling House which is to produce the next king, was convened where 15 candidates emerged to contest for the vacant stool.
Names of interested candidates were later presented to the community kingmakers for thorough screening through Ifa Oracle divination and in line with the age long customs and traditions.
It was learnt that rather than allowing age long traditional status quo in the process of selecting a new monarch for the community to remain, the kingmakers allegedly opted for orthodox religious method.
The community has eight kingmakers through declaration made under section 4(2) of the Chieftaincy Law of 1957. Two of the kingmakers had died, thus remaining six.
The six kingmakers, four Christians and two Muslims were alleged to have jettisoned traditional selection method, secretly picked two among the contesting candidates and voted along religious affiliations.
At the end of the secret election, a Christian candidate was said to have emerged victorious.
Competent source hinted that the decision of the lawmakers could not be communicated to the people for fear of unpleasant reactions.
The strange approach to selection of new monarch by the kingmakers elicited anger and uproar from indigenes, including the remaining 14 candidates who contested for the throne.
The royal candidates led by Prince Taoheed Oyekola Olakanla, told journalists at a briefing that “it is unfortunate that the kingmakers allowed self-centredness and greed to prevail over Ago-Are traditions and customs. Since July 7, this year that the kingmakers conducted their strange, kangaroo, alien and unlawful election to select another Oba, why has it been difficult for them to make the pronouncement? “All the contesting candidates who are also princes vehemently rejected the selection process. We have also forwarded our grievances to the appropriate authorities, notably the state government and the Alaafin of Oyo, who is the consenting authority and permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.”
In a related development, other five princes from the same ruling house kicked against what they referred to as “unlawful exclusion of their vested rights’’.
While denying any knowledge of the steps taken by both the ruling house and the kingmakers to select a new monarch, they noted that such steps were not made public as required by law.
Spokesman for the aggrieved princes, Semiu Bolaji Opeloyeru said: “We find it incomprehensible and unacceptable the activities of both the ruling house and the kingmakers.”
They added that their rights to seek appointment into the revered stool of Aare of Ago-Are has been jeopardised by the duo who have refused to adhere to all relevant laws regulating their conduct in this regards.
The princes, therefore, demanded outright cancellation of the nominations and election of any candidate, to ensure due process of law and to provide avenue for them to realise their aim of contesting for the vacant stool as provided under the law.
The ruling house, apparently feeling the heat ordered the cancellation of the initial selection and directed the kingmakers to follow laid down rules and regulations in order to ensure strict compliance with the age long traditions as well as to ensure the participation of all interested candidates.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, was said to have intervened and allegedly warned the kingmakers against neglect of their communal heritage in the name of orthodox religion, especially on the selection of successor to the vacant stool.
He said any attempt to circumvent the age long traditions and denounce the legacies of their forefathers to the dustbin of history, rather than preserving and recognising them always leads to crises and disharmony.
Meanwhile, youths, members of the royal family and other interest groups in the community have raised the alarm over strange movements by a group known as Oke-Ogun Professionals to create disharmony and cause violence, through distortion of historical facts about the community’s chieftaincy affairs.
Prince Oyewole
A press release jointly signed by Princes Salam Kazeem Oyewole and Olalekan Olaniyonu of the Edu Ruling House in Ago-Are community and made available to Southwest Report said the faceless Oke-Ogun Professionals is not speaking the minds of the royal family in particular and the Ago-Are community in general, let alone competent to act as the community’s mouthpiece.
It further stated that the community has a well-organised vibrant Native Assembly, the Ifelodun Ago-Are Parapo that will not delegate its duty to others.
It added, however, that it is not surprising to the Royal Family to see such a group parading itself as mouthpiece of the ruling house at this critical period when it has
called for cancellation of the selection of Prince Abodurin Kofoworola, which was carried out through dishonesty and abuse of power, which the secretary-general of the unknown and faceless group regards as due process.
“Indeed, more and other actions by selfish interest groups are expected by the Royal Family which is fully aware of the desperation of sponsored mischievous elements in the society striving to determine weak and unsuitable leadership and a bleak future for Ago-Are by misleading and cajoling the general public and authorities to accept the culture of immorality and impunity demonstrated by the six kingmakers who betrayed the throne and their privileged position by jettisoning age long tradition which stipulated the processes for appointing the Aare of Ago-Are land,” the release said.
Prince Olaniyonu
Continuing, the release said: “Ago-Are is not a club house or an association where members conduct simple majority vote to determine their leaders. It is also not a political party whose leadership must come through party politics. Let the defenders of the wrongfully selected candidate and the six kingmakers tell the world anyone out of the past 13 paramount rulers in Ago-Are history that was so enthroned; from Ajibesin Adensile down to the immediate past Oba.
“The media campaign to pressurise our highly respected monarch Iku Baba Yeye the Alaafin of Oyo and Oyo State Government to approve the fraudulent selection process of the candidate in question and to suppress the truth started weeks ago with posts on Facebook and publications in some newspapers. The blatant lies went further that all the candidates signed a document accepting the wrongful selection of Prince Kofoworola. We have already challenged the entire six kingmakers to show proof of that claim.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Ago-Are customs and traditions which have been duly supported by the Chieftaincy Declarations never put the selection of a candidate for the throne of the Aare of Ago-Are land at the whims and caprices of the kingmakers.
“Checks and balances are incorporated in the selection process, starting with family meetings of the Edu Royal Family for the purpose of nominating any number of candidates among the male descendants.”
It, therefore, advised the Oke-Ogun Professionals to go for enlightenment on the traditional process of appointing the Aare of Ago-Are land and indeed recognised obas in Yoruba land.
Peace has eluded Ago-Are, a sleepy town in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. Since the death of the late Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiyi Oladoke Gbadewolu 1, the town has been without a king. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, who visited the agrarian town, reports that the crisis sparked by the election of a new king threatens to dismember the community as some of those who lost out in the kingship contest threaten to pull it down.
FOR some time now, peace has eluded Ago-Are, an agrarian community in Oyo State. This was because of a tussle for the vacant stool of the Aara of Ago-Aro.
Fifteen contestants from the Ruling House of Ude, and eventually one won the election. This didn’t go downwell with others who insisted that the election should be annulled.
The residents and the British American Tobacco (BAT) Company share common business interest in tobacco trade, which has produced many wealthy individuals in the ancient town.
•Entrance of Ago-Are
Undoubtedly, in Ago-Are town, the residents have also had a pleasing taste of religious harmony among Muslims and Christians as adherents of the two faiths live in peace.
Indeed, the people have been enjoying relative peace and tranquillity for decades until Tuesday, July 7, this year, a day when the 15 candidates who were in contest for the vacant stool of Aare of Ago-Are presented themselves before the six kingmakers in a process that will produce the next king for the town.
Before the July 7 election, the Head of the Edu Ruling House, Alhaji Lawal Oyebisi Olaniyonu said opportunity was given to all the families of the Edu Ruling House for them to nominate their sons who are interested in the vacant stool.
Alhaji Olaniyonu related how several meetings were held in his house before the list of the nominees was forwarded to the Head of the kingmakers, who is the Agoro of Ago-Are, Chief Jonathan Kehinde Adetoro.
•Alhaji Olaniyonu
Alhaji Olaniyonu said: “We made sure that there was a level playing field for all the aspirants. We called for nominations which they responded to. There is no secrecy about this; every aspirant was free to come up to say anything he feels like. The process was open and transparent enough for all the aspirants.
“So, I don’t see any reason why someone will ask for the cancellation of the process. We made it clear that this is not a do-or-die affair. If you win fine, but if you fail also fine.
In a race, it’s one person that will emerge winner. Why should someone allow his selfish interest to over-ride that of the majority? All I know is that I have satisfied the provisions laid down by our forefathers and the law of the land in respect of the procedure for election of a new king to the vacant stool. “
Alhaji Olaniyonu noted that it will be honourable for those who lost the election to support the winner, and desist from setting the whole town on fire because of personal interest.
While calling for understanding and support, the Head of the Edu Ruling House, advised anyone who felt aggrieved to seek redress in court of law and avoid creating tension in the town.
After the nomination of the aspirants, Alhaji Olaniyonu said he forwarded a list of 15 names to Chief Adetoro for the conduct of election.
In a letter signed by the Head and Secretary of Edu Ruling House, Alhaji Olaniyonu and Secretary, Prince Salam Kazeem respectively dated June 30, 2015 to Chief Adetoro, the 15 aspirants were listed and forwarded to the kingmakers.
The letter entitled “Nomination of Candidates for the Vacant Stool of the Aare of Ago-Are Land” and copied to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 and the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Atisbo Local Government Area reads in part: “This is to inform you that, on receipt of letter with Ref. No ALG/782T/48 dated 23 June, 2015 from Atisbo Local Government Area, Tede; we the entire members of Edu Ruling House of Ago-Are chieftaincy family have nominated candidates to fill the vacant stool of the Ago-Are land in accordance with our customary law for the consideration of the Are of Ago-Are kingmakers…”
Attached along with the letter were the minutes of the meeting of the Edu Ruling House of the Are of Ago-Are chieftaincy family with names, signatures and telephone numbers of 83 members in attendance.
Also in attendance were officials of the Atisbo Local Government Area led by Head of the Local Government Administration, Alhaji K.O. Akeem.
There were eight kingmakers in the community, out of which two are dead and their seats declared vacant; six are still alive, with Chief Adetoro as the head.
The eight king makers are Agoro -Head, Maye, Jagun, Sobaloju, Egbe omo, Abese, Otun Agoro and Osi Agoro.
However, Maye and Osi Agoro stool remained vacant following the death of the occupants.
Chief Adetoro told Southwest Report that “following the receipt of the letter from the Head of the Edu Ruling House, he swung into action by calling a meeting of all the kingmakers, the 15 candidates on the list, the security personnel and local government officials to witness the election of a candidate to fill the vacant stool.
“However, among the 15 candidates, one Prince Amusat Yisau Adewale Oladoke wrote a letter dated July 3, 2015 informing the kingmakers of his intention to withdraw from vying for the vacant stool, which was duly acknowledged.
“At the end of the election, Prince Rasheed Oyewole Olakanla polled two votes, while Prince Bodunrin Oyetunji Olakanla polled four votes and was subsequently declared winner as the king-elect. The other 12 candidates had no votes.”
He also attached the minutes of the election and a copy of the result of the election signed by the six kingmakers and observers.
•Chief Adetoro
Chief Adetoro explained that, to his dismay, after the election witnessed by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the town, the State Security Service (SSS) official in the local government, the officials of the local government and other observers, some of the candidates who lost out of the election came to his house with over 20 men in protest against the outcome of the election.
The Agoro of Ago-Are wondered why some youths will choose to make trouble and disrupt the community’s peace.
He said the matter was promptly reported to the elders of the community, adding that the process to produce the next Oba was done under a free and fair atmosphere.
He further explained that after the presentation of 15 applicants to the kingmakers by the Head of the Edu Ruling House, there was an election where one of the applicants scored two votes, while the other one polled four votes and the rest 12 had none.
“Before the election, the kingmakers ensured that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ago-Are , the official of the SSS , the officials of the local government and all the applicants were present . We also invited other observers and there was video recording of the entire process. At the end of the election, all the applicants signed the result sheet, indicating that they accepted the outcome of the election, and we have forwarded the document to the appropriate authorities.
“So, if anyone now is complaining, I will advise that such a person should seek redress in the court of law and we will present all the facts and evidences at our disposal. No one can intimidate us, they want us (the kingmakers) to forge the document and this we cannot do,” he said.
Commenting on the issue, a community leader and former chairman of Atisbo Local Government Area, Mr Josiah Makanjuola (aka Makensi) who hails from Ago-Are described the development as very unfortunate.
Makanjuola
While expressing his determination to ensure that justice and truth prevailed, Makanjuola reiterated that no person or group of persons can drag the community backward, noting that the community is greater than any individual.
Makanjuola, who was the former Commissioner for Sports, expressed dismay over the reported protest against the kingmakers, saying that the leaders of the town would not fold their hands and allow a few disgruntled elements to set the community on fire.
He said what the Head of Edu Ruling House and the kingmakers had done were strictly in line with the provisions of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws of 1957.
When contacted, one of the candidates to the vacant stool who lost out in the election, Prince Taoheed Amusat condemned the alleged threat on the kingmakers and the attempt by some elements to incite people to violence in the town.
Prince Amusat, who described the election as free and fair, said: “Of course, I am one of the aspirants that vied for the kingship position in Ago-Are.
“Ordinarily, the election that was conducted by the kingmakers was free and fair because it began with opening and ended with a closing prayer. Definitely, the election was free and fair.
“And at the same time when we conducted our own, that is from the head of the family where they nominated an aspirant, it is also a free and fair exercise. It is unfortunate that when a matter did not favour an individual, especially in this part of the globe, he will want to disrupt the peace of the community because of selfish interest above the general well-being of the community. That is exactly what is causing the problem currently in Ago-Are.
“But, as far as Ago-Are is concerned, there is no problem in the town because if you enter the town, you will not find any sign of crisis. It is only a few disgruntled elements that want to disturb the peace.”
He further appealed to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi to consent to the election of Prince Bodunrin as the Are of Ago-Are and Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi to give approval to the election.
While calling on co-contestants to give peace a chance, Prince Amusat said: “I just want to add that we are appealing to the Iku Babayeye , the Alaafin of Oyo to consent to the election of Dr Abodunrin Tunji Kofoworaola Olakanla as the new Are of Ago-Are. And at the same time, I am also appealing to Governor Ajimobi to give immediate approval to the election conducted by the kingmakers of Ago-Are.”
However, efforts made to get those aggrieved over the election process were futile. The Head of the kingmakers, Chief Adetoro refused to give names of any of the men whom he alleged came to his house threatening himto reverse the result of the election.
He only said he saw the agitators in the evening leaving the town in a convoy of buses, without anybody knowing their next line of action.
In a related development, the Oke-Ogun professionals; a group that seeks to promote peace, co-operation, unity and general well-being among communities in Oke-Ogun, has pleaded with the relevant authorities to expedite action on the process that will pave way for the coronation of the Oba-elect- Prince Kofoworola Abodunrin Oyetunji.
In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the group; Chief Tiamiyu Adebayo, it praised both the Ruling House and the kingmakers for observing due process in the exercise leading to the emergence of the Oba-elect; by following all traditional practices and complementing same with openness and transparency which are features of modern day democracy.
It, therefore, urged other candidates to join hands with these institutions and the Oba-elect towards ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unnecessary bickering or litigation.
The group said its stand was informed by the fact that the only ruling house -Edu met about five times in the house of the family head; Alhaji Lawani Oyebisi to enable it accommodate all interests, resulting in not less than 15 princes showing their intention. Their names were subsequently transmitted to the kingmakers as stipulated by the extant Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo State.
Thereafter, the kingmakers; in the presence of appropriate officials of Atisbo Local Government Area, the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Secretary of Atisbo Local Government Area Traditional Council voted to elect Prince Oyetunji as the next Oba of Ago-Are.
With this substantial compliance with the laid down procedure and rules therefore, the group said it is appealing to the consenting authority- His Imperial Majesty, The Alaafin of Oyo and the final approving authority; Governor Ajimobi to graciously expedite action on the process, so that pockets of discontent, which cannot be ruled out in most human contests, may not snowball into acts capable of breaching the peace of the community.
